Man, 73, given suspended sentence for exposing himself to neighbour over years

Robert May, 73, has received a suspended prison sentence after repeatedly exposing himself in his flat window in view of his neighbour, Margaret Day, and entering her garden to touch underwear on her washing line. The case matters because Day’s family said the behaviour continued for years and only led to a police complaint after her daughter recorded evidence.

At Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court, May was given a 27-month suspended sentence, ordered to pay £500 compensation and made subject to a three-year restraining order. He pleaded guilty to outraging public decency, but the judge said May continued to deny wrongdoing and dismissed his explanations that a curtain had fallen or that he had touched a bra accidentally. The court also heard about repeated incidents of exposure, unwanted texts and historical complaints.